Stamp forgeries and fakes

As sobrecargas PČ 1919 sobre selos austríacos e húngaros estão entre os itens mais falsificados de todos — sobretudo nos valores raros (expressos, selos de taxa, coroas altas). Sinais de autenticidade: a forma e o desenho da letra, as dimensões da sobrecarga, a estrutura da tinta de impressão e sua absorção pelo papel. As falsificações costumam ter desenho de letra diferente, tinta brilhante “assentada” sobre o papel e dimensões erradas. Compre os valores mais raros somente com marca de perito (Karásek, Gilbert, Vrba) ou com certificado.

As sobrecargas “SO 1920” (Silésia Oriental) sobre os Hradčany e os selos legionários são falsificadas de modo semelhante às PČ 1919. Observe a forma das letras S e O, os espaçamentos e a cor; as sobrecargas autênticas correspondem aos tipos publicados. Nas peças mais caras, exija uma verificação.

Forgers fake the expert marks themselves to lend credibility. Check position, size and letterforms; for expensive items insist on a photo-certificate — a backstamp alone is no guarantee.

Protectorate stamps were mass-cancelled after 1945 — a used stamp has value only with a legible town and a date within the validity period. On covers, arrival marks and added franking are forged; genuine commercial covers are scarcer than philatelic concoctions.

Post-war German local issues have an extremely high share of forged overprints — often outnumbering genuine ones. Collect only BPP-checked copies.

Beside outright forgeries, the first Austrian issues suffer reprints, repaired copies and forged cancellations that raise value. Type and paper attribution needs the specialised literature.

A repair is a concealed fix: rebuilt corners and perfs, filled thins, chemical cleaning, recolouring. Detect with backlight, UV and the benzine test. A repaired copy is worth a fraction of a sound one.

1) Rare items only verified or from sellers with an authenticity guarantee. 2) Compare with catalogue illustrations. 3) Beware bargains far under catalogue. 4) Inspect with a loupe and backlight for repairs and thins. 5) Keep purchase records.